What is a child arrangement order form in UK family courts?

What family law covers here

The child arrangement order form is a standardised legal document submitted to the UK family court to resolve disputes about a child's living arrangements, contact with parents or other parties, and other day-to-day care decisions. It is used when parents or guardians cannot agree on arrangements and need judicial intervention. The form requires detailed information about the child, the applicants, and the proposed arrangements, and may be used alongside other forms like the C79 (statement of truth) or C1A (allegations of harm).

Key legal requirements

• Complete form C100 accurately, including details of the child, parents, and proposed arrangements
• Provide a clear explanation of why the order is needed and what arrangements are sought
• Submit the form to the correct family court with the appropriate fee (or apply for a fee exemption)
• Serve the form on the other party (if safe and appropriate) and attend any court hearings
• Consider mediation first (unless exempt) and provide evidence of this in the form

Why this matters

Failing to complete the form correctly or provide sufficient detail can lead to delays, additional hearings, or even the application being rejected. If the court grants the order, non-compliance can result in enforcement proceedings, which may include fines, compensation orders, or even imprisonment in extreme cases. The order also becomes legally binding, so any breaches could have serious consequences for the child's stability and welfare.

Next step with VetroCheck

Use the Child Arrangements agent if you want a structured review of the relevant documents and supporting record.

Related reading

• Adoption Order Check (UK)
• Application of divorce (UK)

Compliance note

This glossary content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal legal advice, does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and should be checked against current legislation, official guidance, and the facts of the specific case.

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